The Marriott’s Way to Drayton

After passing St.Mary, Coslany and crossing Norwich’s busy Inner Ring Road, we arrive at the river and the start of the Marriott’s Way. The River Wensum will be the pilgrim’s constant companion from here to Great Ryburgh.

The Marriott’s Way doubles as a cycle route. Beware, few cyclists have bells to warn of their approach! Groups of walkers should avoid spreading across the path. Pilgrims, with time to and an inclination to saunter, will take the opportunity of a detour! Fork right at the start of the Marriott’s Way to take the riverside path through Train Wood! Under the green canopy, the sound of busy roads is hushed, you breathe, calm flows into the soul .

Take the right fork of the riverside walk
A green corridor to the inner city
Green therapy
Fishing
A bit of urban culture
Fork left for Mile Cross Marsh
Mile Cross Marsh
Industrial landscape
Edgy
Hellesdon Bridge
Gunton Lane
River Tud
River Tud
Gunton Lane
The path to Costessey
St.Edmund, Costessey
Drayton Bridge
St.Margaret, Drayton

A further opportunity of detour presents itself a mile on. After the cross roads at Sloughbottom Park, take the narrow path on the left to walk on the edge of Mile Cross Marsh SSSI. Rejoin the Marriott’s Way when you come to the boundary fence.

Strands of history and natural history twist round this 19th Century rail bed and rivers as they cross each other time and again to create a wildlife corridor into the city and lead the pilgrim past sometimes edgy, industrial and housing estates to tree lined suburbs and the country beyond.

Missionary monks and Viking raiders followed the river as it winds into the heart of the county. Leaving the city of Mother Julian, Edith Cavell pilgrims pass through the parishes of Heigham once the living of Cardinal Adam of Easton , a contemporary of Julian; and Hellesdon, where one version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records St. Edmund was martyred; and, possibly, there is even a henge!

Drayton has a village green, pubs , shops and an ancient church.

if you are choosing not to stop, continue on the Marriott’s Way awhile before turning off. See Drayton to Ringland.

Transport

Shops, Cakes & Ale

Once on the Marriott’s Way facilities are sparse, until one reaches Drayton. Drayton has a village green, heritage church and a choice of pubs and shops.